Hitachi DZGX5020A DVD Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom

Editorial Review
Are you still using a camcorder with tapes? Here is your opportunity to upgrade to DVD. Hitachi DZGX5020A brings the value and affordability of a DVD camcorder to you. You can choose your DVD media. The Multiformat drive will burn DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW and DVD+RW. So not only will DVDs play on your home DVD player, they are also compatible with your friend's and family's players, too. In addition to DVD, SD cards can be used to store digital still photos. Ease of use is taken to a whole new level with features like Photo Frame Capture and 1-Second Quick Start. Photo Capture allows users to browse video scenes and choose individual frames to save as digital stills to SD card. 1-second quick start makes recording nearly instantaneous when powering up from sleep mode. This is your opportunity to get and use the Hitachi DZGX5020A UltraVision MiniDVD Camcorder and enjoy it. 1-Touch Finalize Button 680K Pixel CCD Hitachi Exclusive Advanced Image Processing Quick Menu Button?Shortcut to Simplified Menu System Disc Navigation?Instant Access to Selected Scenes and In-Camera Editing Features Electronic Image Stabilizer for Video Auto and Manual Focus Auto and Manual White Balance Auto and Manual Exposure Records still images at 640x480 VGA resolution / Self timer mode for still photos 3 Recording Modes - XTRA - 18 min/side; FINE - 30 min/side; STD - 60 min/side (on 3 DVD) S-Video & Composite AV Output Includes Rechargeable Battery, AC Adapter/Charger, DC power cord Unit Dimensions - Height - 3 37/64? x Width 2 31/64? x Depth - 5 3/`16?; Weight(w/battery) - 14 7/8 ounce Hitachi 1-Year Parts Warranty, 90-Day Labor Warranty
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Customer Reviews

Beware of Hitachi DVDCams!!!

2007-05-08
I own a previous model Hitachi DVDCam. I have had several of my DVD's become corrupt and unreadable after I had recorded (and viewed) several videos on them. I called Hitachi and after a LONG phone call was basically told that I had bad luck and they were sorry. It is a porblem with the DVD itself and they do not stand behind the DVD's (because they are from a different manufacturer). My only option is to contact a data recovery service to get back my hours of lost video. Looks like that will cost me about $200-400 for two discs.
I understand that they do not make the DVD's, but their cameras use them. If I can record my videos on to them, I should be able to see those videos again. The only way to use their DVDCams are to record onto DVD's! Save your money and frustration and don't risk losing your precious family memories!

Horrible, do not waster your money

2008-07-06
Worst buy I ever made, here are some of the problems:
-Cannot open disk to remove easily, takes a few minutes, sometimes does not open at all.
-Constant issues with "formatting disks"
-Off button is not locked and often moves to "on" while transporting, when you take it out for use, battery is dead.
-After capturing images, unable to play back due to "corrupted disks" even after disks have played fine many times previously.

Don't waste your time with this item.

Great camera

2008-01-19
Camera is easy to use. Light camera; fits easily in the palm of my hand. Works well in dim light. Good value for the money.

Great Product - Hitachi DZGX5020A DVD Camorder

2007-12-25
Small, quick and easy to use! I love the ability to save a picture to an SD card from any frame. We bought digital frames for the grandma's this Christmas and I was able to save pictures from the camcorder directly to the SD cards for use with their frames - I didn't need the camera at all. And I have the best pictures because I was able to pick the perfect frame to make a picture! That perfect smile that I would have missed with my 2 second delay camera - I got it this year using the camcorder. There was no learning process and it is very user friendly. The only downside so far is that the lenscap doesn't stay secure when clipped on and I tend to zoom way too fast! This is my first camcorder and I am very pleased.

Great Camera!!

2007-07-01
I am 13 and I got this camera as a gift. it is awesome and is compatable with many disks including maxwell disks and Sony Handycam disks (those are the ones I use.)
Shoots pretty well indoors.
No manual reading required, but I did so to find out the features.
It also can take pictures and capture photos from a video.
I recommend Hitachi Camcorder Accessory Kit 2 for Hitachi DVD Camcorders. The bag fits the camera, batteries, disks, cords, and the manual nicely. I bought this because of the battery (a couple of hours life). Plus you get 3 Maxwell DVD-R disks (disk cases included)

Overall, this is a great buy for beginners AND pros.

Good all round performance.

2007-05-24
I have the GX5020 and have found it to shoot good footage both inside and outdoors. The quality of the camera is good with intuitive controls, no manual reading required!

The only shortfall is the battery provided does not last more than around 40 minutes, so a long life battery is a wise investment.

Cameras & Photography Products and Books

	Click!. The No Nonsense Guide to Digital Cameras Review: ... "Click! The No Nonsense Guide to Digital Cameras" is misnamed. It covers a lot more than just cameras. In a couple of hundred pages, it includes using a scanner and Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 to rescue faded, damaged family photos, the basic guidelines to good picture taking, how to use Elements 2 to improve your digital photos, and how to print and preserve your pictures for the ages. White, the author of the bestseller "How Computers Work," knows how to pack a lot of helpful, understandable information in a brief no nonsense book.
	Sony Cybershot DSCS90 4.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom Review: "This Camera is one of the best in its price range. It takes beautiful clear pictures and can be used right out of the box, but its worth learning all its features. The included memory holds about 20-25 pictures so I upgraded to 128mb. I reccomend getting a 128mb card and the Sony camera case. Not only is this one of the best cameras in its class it includes decent software and rechargeable batteries that are at least a 20$ value. HIGHLY reccomend over canon,kodak, and fuji. One more thing this camera has CARL Zeiss lens (if you dont know, great lens) all the competetors have generic lens."
	Sony Cybershot DSCF88 5MP Digital Camera with 3x optical Zoom Editorial Review: Kick back with your favorite DVDs anywhere! Sleek, portable player features IR wireless remote. Plays DVDs, CDs, MP3s and Kodak Picture CDs. Includes 12V power source adapter and Li-Ion Battery Pack. Model D1710. 90-day limited warranty.

PC Magazine Guide to Digital Photography

Editorial Reviews from Book News, Inc.
A couple of digital photography experts weigh the advantages and disadvantages of film vs. digital photography, and explain the basics underlying both types of photography. The Grottas provide reality checks on such issues as whether the number of megapixels really matter, and tips on camera selection, use, and e-mailing and organizing photos. The handbook includes color and b&w images, a glossary, and sidebars and Web links for further technical details.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland.

From the Back Cover The megapixel hype
The fact is a camera’s megapixel rating is only a measure of how many pixels (photosensitive sites) an image sensor has…. An image sensor is simply one component of an entire system that produces a digital photograph… So resist buying into the megapixel hype when you’re choosing a digital camera. From Chapter 1

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